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Lay Ministers

Henry Whipple was a passionate, sincere Christian who sought to practice the principles of fairness and brotherly love that he preached. He often used his personal finances to educate and support converts in their training and work for the Episcopal Church, and he was considered a trustworthy advocate for Indian religious communities, building projects, and education. The writings and actions of Indian converts, deacons, and priests attest to Whipple's lifelong commitment to the Episcopal Dakota and Ojibwe of Minnesota.

Many lay ministers showed their regard for Whipple as a friend and mentor through the names of their children. The St. Clair family produced two generations of lay ministers: George St. Clair was ordained a deacon in 1879, and his son Henry Whipple St. Clair was ordained a deacon in 1899 and a priest in 1904.